When trying to decipher the humor of Jesus (and its profound and prophetic power), the Comic Lens suggests comparing it to the humor of Hawkeye Pierce. Cheers! (Sort of....)
Read MoreWry with a Dash of Bitters
Tough Love
There has been a lot of very controversial, dark political satire either entertaining or repulsing audiences these days. But maybe nothing is as awful (or as smartly clever?) as what the prophet Hosea did when naming his children.
Read MoreRisus Paschalis, 2017
This year, the ancient Christian concept of Risus Paschalis ("The Easter Laugh") came to have new and deeper meaning for me and my family.
Read More"Them!"
The Comic Lens invites you to enter into this year's Holy Week by contemplating, among other things, giant killer bugs. (And donkeys....)
Read MoreThe Bible's "Cinderfella"!
The Bible introduces King David to us in a delightful way that is most reminiscent of "Cinderella." Or is it "Cinderfella"?? The imagination reels....
Read MoreTHE SACRED AND THE SERBIAN! (Part of an ongoing series "Scripture, Peacemaking and Humor")
I haven't yet discovered much on ways the Church has followed God's lead of using humor to bring down the forces of injustice and oppression. However, there are some great examples to be found elsewhere. For example, Serbia.
Read MoreBaby Showers!
Despite the often bitter contention as to what, according to Jesus, it takes to see the Kingdom of God: does one have to be "born again" or "born from above"? The bottom line is that it involves birth, and birth is one of the earmarks of comedy. How's that for Good News?!!
Read MoreHear Her Roar! Thecla, the Ultimate Early Christian Badass...and a Woman to Boot!
Believe it or not, the Bible and early Christian world are places to find stories of strong, clever, courageous women. The rollicking, "Acts of Paul and Thecla" is my fave. So inspiring, plus makes my feet tickle!
Read MoreInderisible!
Humor is emerging as a major tool for resistance and transformation in the current political maelstrom. This isn't new. Jesus even shows his disciples how!
Read MoreAnd This Shall Be a Sign Unto You....
So many of the signs from the Women's Marches of January 21 were clever, funny and sharply-messaged. Can they help us see the humor in the signs of the Bible, especially the one that ends up being Jesus?
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